Project Tango: this Google phone prototype is a step into the future

In the past few months, the world has seen Google getting involved in several off-beat experiments, including development of a smart lens; acquisition of six robotics companies and so on. And now it is again ready to grab everyone’s attention with its latest project, that will take mobile technology to the next level.

Google’ Advanced Technology & Projects (ATAP) group has announced Project Tango – an intelligent phone that will 3D map the users’ surroundings, and will perceive space and motion similar to how humans too. “We are physical beings that live in a 3D world. Yet, our mobile devices assume that physical world ends at the boundaries of the screen.” says Google ATAP team.

The team has already developed a prototype phone, with special hardware to track 3D motion of the device, inclusive of an additional rear camera to map the space. The phone would create a virtual 3D world in itself, besides being used for navigation and spatial mapping, Google also presents the possibilities of the entertainment apps and games such a device could have.

The video below showcases what the phone is and what it could do.

The phone could spatially map objects, rooms and even buildings. With such a technology the possibilities are endless. However at the same time, ATAP gives an example of easily navigating in a new place/building that has been mapped before, this could compromise the security of a structure. Another notable and noble usage of this potential technology is that with voice guidance, visually-impaired people could easily walk around even with a stick.

In order to further work on and develop this project, the company is looking for developers who are willing and capable of working on an idea like this. The team has allocated 200 prototype dev kits which would be given out to technical professionals who can develop Applications, Algorithms, Games etc. for the phone. To register yourself for the same, click here